1:00 PM EST

Seattle Seahawks (5-2) at Atlanta Falcons (1-6)

A match up between two former NFC champions coming off tough losses. The Seahawks suffered a harsh defeat at home courtesy of Lamar Jackson and the Ravens while the Falcons got embarrassed at home against the Rams. The Falcons have been brutal so far this year, but expect them to play hard this week after an emotional discussion in the locker room led by star receiver Julio Jones. Both sides of the ball have been killing the Falcons, as their defense can’t stop anybody and their high powered offense looks dead most of the time. With Matt Ryan just having been ruled out, Russ and the Hawks should coast to a victory in Atlanta. 

Prediction: Seahawks 31, Falcons 17

Los Angeles Chargers (2-5) at Chicago Bears (3-3)

The Bears offense was absolutely terrible last week against the Saints. The Chargers have a good defensive unit, but they aren’t playing at quite the level of New Orleans. This will be a reality check game for the Bears, and with Mitch Trubisky possibly on the hot-seat, expect their offense to show up at home against a middle of the pack defense. Phillip Rivers and the offense really hasn’t shown any measure of consistency so far in 2019, so the Bears sound defense should be able to hold them in check. 

Prediction: Bears 21, Chargers 17 

New York Giants (2-5) at Detroit Lions (2-3-1)

A battle of two teams in the midst of a three game losing streak, this should be a fun game in Mo-Town. Detroit’s defense has been struggling mightily, especially against the run and creating pressure on the Quarterback. If Daniel Jones has time to survey the field, this game will be closing than you think. Along with this, top CB Darius Slay has already been ruled out with injury. Even with the Lions hurting, Matthew Stafford gets it done at home by a field goal. 

Prediction: Lions 27, Giants 24

New York Jets (1-5) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4)

What should be another barn burner kicks off at 1:00 EST in Jacksonville, as the Jets try to re-establish themselves after an embarrassing home loss to the New England Patriots. With temperatures scheduled to be in the mid 80s with high humidity, expect the Jaguars to try and lean heavy on Leonard Fournette and the run game. Playing against a cold weather team that just allowed three rushing touchdowns, the Jaguars will get it done at home. 

Prediction: Jaguars 24, Jets 21

Cincinnati Bengals (0-7) at Los Angeles Rams (4-3)

This is shaping up to be one of the most lop-sided games of the week. The winless Bengals head to London to take on the Rams off an impressive route of Atlanta. There is nothing promising for the Bengals in this match up. The Rams will likely lean heavily on the run and take some shots in the play action game. Cincinnati’s defense has been sub par across the board so far this year, and first year HC Zac Taylor looks lost on the offensive side of the ball. Taylor comes from the McVay coaching tree, so maybe he has something up his sleeve for his former boss. 

Prediction: Rams 34, Bengals 17

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-4) at Tennessee Titans (3-4)

A game between two sturdy defenses and a completely opposite scheme on the offensive end. Tampa is looking to air it out to receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin while the Titans are looking to control the time of possession and run the ball with Derrick Henry. Tampa Bay has lost 17 of their last 21 road games, and even though they are coming off a bye, Tennessee finds a way to steal this one at home by a field goal.

Prediction: Titans 17, Buccaneers 14

Philadelphia Eagles (3-4) at Buffalo Bills (5-1)

After multiple consecutive lackluster efforts, the Eagles come into week 8 sitting at 3-4, good enough for 2nd in the NFC East. This is a huge game for them, as they can’t afford to drop three straight. The Bills have surprised people so far, as their defense has played exceptionally well. 2nd year QB Josh Allen is still prone to turnovers, but his ability to create plays on his feet has helped the Bills claim the 7th best rushing attack through 7 weeks. Philly desperately needs this game, and their play will reflect it. 

Prediction: Eagles 24, Bills 17

Denver Broncos (2-5) at Indianapolis Colts (4-2)

The Broncos looked lifeless at home last week against a banged up Kansas City squad, as they surrendered a 30-6 loss with Patrick Mahomes not even finishing the first half. Denver’s inability to move the ball on one of the league’s worst defenses is quite concerning, and the play of Joe Flacco was hard to watch. His offensive line didn’t give him much time, but there were numerous plays where he could have stepped up and ran for a first down. That’s not to say this won’t be a tough test for Indianapolis, as Denver still employs one of the better defenses in the AFC. In a low scoring, run heavy game, give me the 4-2 home team over the 2-5 visitors. 

Prediction: Colts 21, Broncos 13

Arizona Cardinals (3-3-1) at New Orleans Saints (6-1)

With the news that QB Drew Brees will be back starting under center, it shows the respect that Sean Payton has for Kliff Kingsbury and Kyler Murray on the other sideline. This should be one of the most exciting games of the week, as both offenses are filled with star power and brilliant play callers. Both teams will possibly be without their star running back as both Alvin Kamara and David Johnson are questionable with injuries. Both of their involvement in the passing game is so vital to their offenses, so let’s hope they can suit up. Either way, Saints win by a touchdown at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Prediction: Saints 28, Cardinals 20

4:05 PM EST

Carolina Panthers (4-2) at San Francisco 49ers (6-0)

Did anyone say “Battle of Undefeated Quarterbacks?” Well here it is. After Kyle Allen won his only start at the end of 2018, he is now 4-0 on the year as a replacement for Cam Newton who has been sidelined due to a foot injury. On the other side, Jimmy Garappolo and the 49ers are one of only two undefeated teams remaining, as they outlasted the Redskins 9-0 in rain-filled Washington. At home, the 49ers defense will prove to be too much for Allen and they will hand him his first career loss as a starter.

Prediction: 49ers 24, Panthers 21

4:25 PM EST

Oakland Raiders (3-3) at Houston Texans (4-3)

The Raiders and the Texans have more in common than you would expect. Both have top 5 run defenses paired with bottom 3 pass defenses, both teams are 2nd in their division, and both are trying to rebound from difficult losses. With all that being said, what should we see in this match up? POINTS, and lots of them. Expect huge performances from Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins and Raiders TE Darren Waller, as both are the premier option in their passing games. At home, the Texans will take an early lead and hold on by a touchdown late to beat the Raiders. Chucky falls to 3-4 on the season. 

Prediction: Texans 31, Raiders 24

Cleveland Browns (2-4) at New England Patriots (7-0)

Last but not least, the final kickoff of the afternoon schedule is in Foxborough as the Patriots look to remain undefeated almost half way through the regular season. After making Sam Darnold see ghosts in the beat down Monday Night, it’s pretty easy to see that Bill Belicheck is putting something remarkable together. If the Patriots just spiked the ball on offense every snap so far this season, they would still be 3-3-1. That’s how dominant this defensive unit has been. Baker Mayfield and company are more talented than Sam Darnold and the Jets, but in Foxborough, you really just can’t bet against the Patriots here. 

Prediction: Patriots 31, Browns 20